30 August 2024

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents, Families and Community,

As many of you are aware, the Department of Education, Children and Young People here in Tasmania have been concerned about declining attendance rates in our schools. Unfortunately, more and more students are missing significant numbers of days, with a range of negative effects impacting on our education sector. Snug Primary School’s student attendance is also on the decline – and we would like to work with you to work together to ensure that your child attends school as often as is possible.

Currently, we have 170 students at Snug Primary School whose attendance is below 90%. Of those, 43 are below 80% attendance; and of those, 15 students attend less than 70% of the time.

There is considerable research on how low attendance affects a student’s school experience. Research shows that when a student’s attendance falls below 90%, there are a number of negative impacts. When attendance falls below this threshold, there is an impact on learning. When a student misses school frequently, gaps in student learning and understanding occur. These gaps are not easily filled, and students with low attendance typically see their academic performance decline.

When students miss school regularly, their lack of desire to attend school can be compounded. They can end up feeling disconnected from friends and friendship groups, often leading to even more reluctance to attend school. Being part of a classroom and culture is critical to enabling students to develop key learning of how to interact socially and emotionally. Regular absence can lead to social isolation due to this social disconnect.

As students fall behind academically, and disconnect from friendship groups, one common emerging pattern is spikes in poor behaviour. Students find it harder to accept or understand classroom routines, or may feel ashamed or exposed when they do not know a concept that other classmates may understand because they have not been present when the concept is being taught. Obviously, our teachers work hard to try and address next steps for all students, but it is difficult to ascertain where students are in all areas of their learning when absence is an ongoing issue.

I want to acknowledge that these figures do not always tell the whole story. We are, of course, aware of students who have experienced significant illness or medical issues; others who have had significant family holidays. That said, the impacts do not always discriminate, which is why we have to prioritise attendance should our child fall ill, and be unable to attend. I also want to acknowledge just how challenging it can be to get your child to school sometimes. We do know how hard it is, and we are here to help.

I will revisit this theme in coming weeks, and share some ways we can work together to ensure our school is a place where all students want to be, and to support you around attendance when the going gets tough.

Kind regards

Kath’s Spot

Many of you would know that my husband Chris and I have carried out many outdoor youth activity days with young people over the years, and as Chris is an abseiling instructor we have had many days where we have worked alongside young people in heightened moments when you are at the top of a cliff.  I feel privileged to be able to work with these young people in the moment when they may feel fear, anxiety and yet hope.

Our students have been working on taking risks and trying things even if they are not confident and discovering that often we can do them.  In the moment when you are standing at the top of the cliff ready to abseil down, you may not necessarily feel all that confident to take the first step, however sometimes it is right to take the risk and have a go, and you will grow and learn by taking the step.

I wonder for you what is it that you have been putting off doing, because you may not be that confident in whether or not you will be successful?  Why not try to take the chance, and have a go? Either way it will be a learning experience.  Michael Jordan said ooce “You only fail if you fail to try”.

Class in Focus – 3B Parisi

As part of our HASS unit, we have been investigating important local landmarks, such as Kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Last Wednesday, the year 3s went on an excursion to the mountain and surrounding areas to explore, discover, wonder, feel and imagine all things natural and wild.

Since returning, we have been discussing ways to preserve and protect the mountain: from the perspective of our Aboriginal people, to caring for the biodiversity of species and ensuring we have a low impact on the beautiful natural environment, so people from all walks of life can enjoy everything Kunanyi has to offer.

3B Thinking – what did you learn?

I learnt that Kunanyi was so special to the Muwinina people. It was a place where elders went when they knew it was their time to go.  Amahlia

I learnt that Kunanyi was formed by volcanic action underground. This mountain is sacred to the aboriginal people because when the English came the aboriginal people could hide on the mountain and watch their land below change. Buildings got built and a town was formed. It is now known as Hobart.  Kai

I learnt that the cliff on the mountain is called the Organ Pipes. They were formed by erosion over million of years.  Kayto

I learnt that animals are hard to find even if you’re quiet and the mountain is home to all sorts of animals. Mushrooms can grow sideways and get big.   Olivia

I learnt that the mountain wasn’t always there. Before it was a mountain there were deserts and bushes and dinosaurs. Then kunanyi was formed millions of years ago and stood tall and proud.   Amelia

Little Sprouts - Movers and Explorers

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